Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! And like other's that waited a little too long, we have no plans as of yet and no chance of getting a dinner reservation a week before this popular holiday. So what to do!?

After some searching around our city and a little brainstorming, we came up with a few ideas that could work as alternative Valentine’s Dates, especially if your tired of the typical dinner out. Here are some of what we came up with -

• Evening at the Art Museum or Conservatory - our local art museum - The Columbus Museum of Art and our conservatory Franklin Park Conservatory hosts special events throughout the year. And some geared towards adult (21 and older) for a special and quiet evening out. Check with your local museums to see what’s current.

• Golf or Axe Throwing - Another popular experience-based evening is taking an outing to go drive some golf balls or visit a Top Golf location or get in with some Axe Throwing. Each usually has a bar and some food options as well as a unique experience that will surely create some lasting memories.

• Take a Class - Take a look around your community and city to see what classes may be available for a fun night out. Visit Eventbrite.com to search your city. Fun ideas include candle making, painting and pottery classes, cocktail making, floral arranging, yoga, perfume making and so much more!!

• Get Outdoors - Parks and Nature Centers are all around. Find one you haven’t visited before. Bundle up and bring some hot chocolate to keep you warm. The views and landscape - even in the dead of winter - can be spectacular!

• Window Shop - Bundle up for a chilly evening and hit your local downtown or open-air mall for some window shopping and dreaming. Pop in to a local coffee shop, sweet shop or Jeni’s Ice Cream for a sweet treat.

Want to stay in for a romantic evening? Plan an evening together that will surely show each other how much you truly love and care about them.

• Cook Together - Gather all the ingredients for your favorite meal and prepare it together. Throw in some music and a bottle of wine and you have the perfect mix for a fun evening!

• Bake Together - Not a chef? Try your hand at some cookies, muffins or dipped chocolates. Sweets just make everything sweeter!!

• Grab Takeout - So you can’t get a reservation to your favorite restaurant? Place a to-go order and set up your own dinner at home with candles and flowers. Light a fire and add in some music and you’re all set for a one of a kind dinner for two.

• Wine Tasting at Home - Set up different wine pairings around the house with your favorite appetizers, small dishes or cheese plates. Make them ‘destination’ spots - i.e. the living room becomes the seating area of a chic hotel, complete with fireplace and plush rugs; the new at-home office becomes the home library with comfy chairs and fun reading topics. Use your imagination to create a fun evening and transport yourselves somewhere else. Spend 30 minutes in each spot enjoying the food and wine and each other’s company.

All it takes is a little planning to create some non-traditional Valentine’s Day memories. And most importantly, spending some time together making memories and showing each other how much you cherish the other. You only get one life together, make sure it’s not taken for granted.

❤️❤️❤️

:)Angela